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Home › Forums › Teaching About Asia Forums › Asia in My Classroom › Response to session 7
Stella Castro.
Stella CastroAfter watching the film “We the Workers” it was very interesting to see how hard the Chinese people have to fight to try to get benefits. They marched and tried to get as many recruiters as possible to join in their crusade for fairness, equality and just basic care and benefits that all workers are or should be entitled to receive.
Some of the work is not easy and to get injured on the job, the labors should get compensated and not fear for their lives or for the loss of a job because of the mere fact that they get injured on the job. They should be able to rest assured that they will continue to receive their compensation. Because if they lose their jobs who will take care of their families, or put food on their tables.
In the film it was interesting to see the workers go as far as to get t-Shirts printed of what they were doing, and or fighting for. In all reality but this would only create more problems for the workers. The/their employers may get mad and fire them. So that is a great risk to take. Also, it was interesting to note that some of the workers would question the fact of their speaking up for their rights, it seemed as many were afraid, to join the cause. Well if I were to lose my job when protesting for better working conditions, I would be afraid, also. In thinking about the upcoming talks about a possible teacher strike. Comes to mind, as I do not wish to lose the health benefits that they are talking about, as health care is so much a bare necessity. Earlier this year I was rushed to the emergency room, the total amount of money I had to pay would have been close to 7,000, dollars,(for one day mind you) had I not had health insurance, Luckily I did and my total cost was only about 150.00 dollars.
This movie reminds me of Wal-mart and how they are unjust to their workers, Wal -mart does not like to pay for their employee’s benefits.
Mr. Hondong should be commended for making this film as he did it from his heart to show the world what Chinese labors have to go through to get their rights be seen AND RECOGNIZE, Mr., H said that he did it not for the money , but just to show how it is in the real world of China, and what the Chinese have to go through, he said he did it to show as many people in his film, and just watching this film, it showed many, many people living in an unfair society. It was interesting
I would use this as a lesson for my students that they are to fight for their rights, to not be afraid of the system and to speak up for themselves. Not to be bullied by anyone. Treat and be treated well by others. We are all the same no one is better than another. Justice and fairness should prevail.
Cristina HernandezI agree that the movie "We the workers" was an interesting film. However, when I discussed it with my high school students I realized that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding China, communism and capitalism. I teach reading and ELD so I have a lot of freedom to choose my topics, but some times I had to be careful not to step on anyone's toes when it comes to core subjects. Most of my students believed that communist countries did not have Unions, workers' strikes, etc because they think that the workers are the leaders of the country. Also, they believe that China is a place where everything is either easy or non-existent. I had a long conversation with them trying to answer questions about their misconceptions and then I found a couple of contemporary movies to show them that China is just another country with the similar challenges as ours.
Luis CamachoI had the chance to be in China on February 2000, at that time I noticed the work conditions of the place I was working (setting up some textile product production). I had the opportunity to interact with many workers. I could have felt that they were happy doing their labor in the conditions they had. It was not bad it all, they had only four days off per month (assigned by the company schedule). Company provided them an apartment (utilities paid) to live with their families at a walking distance of the factory. Company had a cafeteria where they offer three meals a day (free of charge) for workers and family. After watching the documentary, I just realized that the company I worked for was an exception. I feel glad that the thing changed in favor of the Chinese workers. Very good heart people
Stella CastroLuis, after reading your comment on that Company you worked for and are takilng about, it would seem as the ideal place to work for. I would surely like to work there with all those ammenties you talk about, however like you said, I feel this Company would definately be the exception. in China. Thanks for sharing.